A confusing message can't capture hearts because when people stop understanding, they stop listening. To create magic — to even have a chance — your story must be clear. It must resonate effortlessly. This is why storytellers use frameworks.
These structures craft powerful narratives, giving concepts relatability while helping the audience remember your message. One of the most successful frameworks comes from Disney, a master at storytelling. Here’s a detailed look at Disney's 7-step storytelling framework, illustrated with the beloved movie "Toy Story."
1. Introduce the Hero
Every great story begins with a hero. This character should be relatable, someone the audience can root for, understand, and emotionally connect with.
Toy Story Example:
Hero: Woody, a pull-string cowboy doll.
Relatability: Woody is loyal, caring, and experiences emotions like jealousy and insecurity, which many of us have felt at some point. His fear of being replaced by a newer, shinier toy makes him deeply human.
From the very beginning, we see Woody's world and understand his role as the leader of the toys in Andy's room. He is respected, beloved, and his position seems secure. But just like in real life, change is inevitable, and Woody's journey is about to take a dramatic turn.
2. Explain the Goal
A hero's journey must have a clear goal, something they desperately want to achieve. This goal drives the story forward and gives the audience a reason to care about the hero's success or failure.
Toy Story Example:
Goal: Woody wants to remain Andy's favorite toy and maintain his status as the leader of the toys.
This goal is clear and relatable. Many people can identify with the fear of being replaced or losing their place in someone's heart. Woody’s motivation sets the stage for the conflicts and challenges that follow.
3. Describe the Challenge
No story is complete without challenges. These obstacles create tension and conflict, making the hero’s journey compelling and engaging. The challenges can come in various forms, such as villains, internal struggles, or external barriers.
Toy Story Example:
Obstacle: The arrival of Buzz Lightyear, a new, high-tech space ranger toy. Buzz becomes Andy's new favorite, threatening Woody's status and causing him to feel replaced.
Buzz represents everything Woody is not: new, exciting, and seemingly superior. This challenge forces Woody to confront his insecurities and jealousy, creating internal and external conflict that drives the story forward.
4. Depict the Journey
The journey is where the hero faces and overcomes challenges, leading to growth and transformation. This part of the story shows the hero's resilience, courage, and evolution.
Toy Story Example:
Transformation: Woody and Buzz's rivalry leads to both of them being separated from Andy. They must work together to return home, learning to cooperate and understand each other's value.
Throughout their journey, Woody and Buzz encounter numerous obstacles, from escaping Sid, the toy-torturing neighbor, to chasing after the moving truck. These experiences teach them valuable lessons about teamwork, friendship, and understanding.
5. Highlight the Climax
The climax is the turning point of the story, the moment of highest tension and emotional impact. It’s where the hero faces their greatest challenge and makes a critical decision that determines the outcome of their journey.
Toy Story Example:
Turning Point: Woody and Buzz escape from Sid and chase after the moving truck to reunite with Andy. This climactic scene showcases their teamwork and newfound friendship.
The climax of "Toy Story" is thrilling and emotionally charged, as Woody and Buzz put aside their differences and work together to achieve their goal. This moment is not just about action; it's about the culmination of their character development and relationship.
6. Conclude with Success
A satisfying conclusion ties up the story’s loose ends and shows the hero achieving their goal or finding fulfillment. It provides closure and leaves the audience with a sense of completion.
Toy Story Example:
Resolution: Woody and Buzz make it back to Andy safely. They accept each other and recognize that they both have a place in Andy's heart.
The resolution of "Toy Story" is heartwarming and satisfying. Woody and Buzz's successful return to Andy represents more than just physical proximity; it symbolizes their acceptance of each other and the new dynamics of their world.
7. End with a Moral
Great stories leave the audience with a lesson or inspiration that resonates beyond the story itself. This moral adds depth and meaning, making the story memorable and impactful.
Toy Story Example:
Lesson: The story teaches the value of friendship, acceptance, and the importance of teamwork. It shows that being replaced or facing new challenges can lead to personal growth and stronger bonds.
"Toy Story" leaves viewers with a powerful message about friendship and acceptance. It reminds us that change is a part of life, and embracing it can lead to unexpected and wonderful outcomes.
Applying the Framework to Your Stories
By using Disney's 7-step storytelling framework, you can craft compelling stories that capture hearts and minds. Here’s a quick recap of the key steps:
Relatable Hero: Start with a character the audience can connect with emotionally.
Clear Goal: Define what the hero strives to achieve.
Obstacles: Introduce challenges that create conflict and tension.
Transformation: Show how the hero changes and grows through their journey.
Dramatic Climax: Create an emotionally engaging turning point.
Satisfying Resolution: Conclude with the hero achieving their goal or finding fulfillment.
Memorable Moral: End with a lesson that resonates and inspires the audience.
Toy Story resonates because it captures universal themes of belonging, friendship, and growth. Woody's journey from jealousy to acceptance mirrors experiences many people face, making the story emotionally impactful and memorable.
Conclusion
Whether you are crafting a personal narrative, marketing campaign, or a novel, using a structured framework like Disney's can help you create stories that resonate deeply with your audience. By clearly defining your hero, goal, challenges, journey, climax, resolution, and moral, you ensure that your story is engaging, relatable, and unforgettable.